Processing keyword: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (After doing something, result)

Korean Grammar Point: ~했더니 [haetdeoni] (After doing something, result)

Understanding the Korean Grammar Point: ~했더니 (haetdeoni)

1. Introduction

In learning Korean, connecting actions with their outcomes is essential for expressing sequences and cause-and-effect relationships. One useful grammatical structure for this purpose is ~했더니 (haetdeoni). This connective ending allows speakers to indicate that after they did something, a particular result occurred. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~했더니, its formation, comparisons with similar grammar points, and practical examples to enhance your understanding.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~했더니 expresses that after the speaker performed an action, a certain result was observed or experienced. It often implies a discovery or an unexpected outcome that directly followed the action.

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 았/었더니 + [Result Clause]

• Verb Stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
• Attach:
  • 았더니 if the verb stem ends with 아 or 오 vowel.
  • 었더니 if the verb stem ends with any other vowel.
  • 했더니 for verbs ending with 하다.

Examples of Formation

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~했더니 with ~하니까

• ~했더니 (haetdeoni)
  • Used when the speaker did the first action.
  • The result is often a new discovery or unexpected.
  • Emphasizes personal experience.
• ~하니까 (hanikka)
  • Can be used regardless of who did the action.
  • Indicates a general cause-and-effect relationship.
  • Less emphasis on personal involvement. Example Comparison:

1. 문을 열었더니 고양이가 들어왔어요.
   • After I opened the door, a cat came in.
2. 문을 여니까 고양이가 들어왔어요.
   • When the door was opened, a cat came in.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 사진을 찍었더니 기억이 생생해졌어요.
   • After I took pictures, the memories became vivid.
2. 밤을 샜더니 피곤해요.
   • After I stayed up all night, I am tired.
3. 낮잠을 잤더니 꿈을 꿨어요.
   • After I took a nap, I had a dream.
4. 새 신발을 신었더니 발이 아파요.
   • After I wore new shoes, my feet hurt.
5. 이 약을 먹었더니 좀 나아졌어요.
   • After I took this medicine, I felt a bit better.

Formal and Informal Contexts

• Informal Speech:
  • 영화를 봤더니 정말 무서웠어.
    • After I watched the movie, it was really scary.
• Formal Speech:
  • 영화를 봤더니 정말 무서웠습니다.
    • After I watched the movie, it was really scary.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing personal experiences and observations is common in daily conversations. Using ~했더니 highlights the speaker's direct involvement and personal discovery, which aligns with the value placed on firsthand experiences.

Levels of Politeness

While ~했더니 itself doesn't change formality levels, the ending of the result clause should match the appropriate level of politeness based on the audience.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 김치를 먹었더니 매워요.
  • After I ate kimchi, it was spicy. This reflects the common experience of spiciness associated with kimchi in Korean cuisine.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake: Using ~했더니 when the speaker did not perform the action.

• Incorrect: 친구가 노래를 불렀더니 모두 박수를 쳤어요.
  • (Friend sang a song, and then everyone clapped.)
• Correct: 친구가 노래를 부르니까 모두 박수를 쳤어요.
  • When my friend sang a song, everyone clapped. Tip: Use ~했더니 only when you performed the action in the first clause.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 했더니 as "Did (했) and then (더니)", emphasizing that you did something and then something happened.
• Practice Exercise: Write down activities you did today and the results you observed using ~했더니.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~했더니 is used when the speaker did an action and then observed a result.
• It connects the speaker's action to a consequent discovery or outcome.
• Distinct from ~하니까, which is more general and not limited to the speaker's actions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the Blank: After I ran, I was thirsty. 뛰었___ 목이 말랐어요. Answer: 뛰었더니
2. True or False: ~했더니 can be used when talking about someone else's actions. Answer: False
3. Translate to Korean: After I listened to music, I felt better. Answer: 음악을 들었더니 기분이 좋아졌어요.

By mastering ~했더니, you can effectively convey your personal experiences and the results that follow, adding depth to your Korean communication skills.